4 out of 4 stars
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The common stereotypes portraying non-fiction works as boring are, more often than not, proven true. Add in a religious theme and you are almost guaranteed a trip to Snooze Fest (the summer event no one has been waiting for!) Although Combs’ book “Who Told You That You Were Naked?” is entirely factual and based in Christian teachings, it was both entertaining and interesting. So much so I almost have a hard time categorizing it as non-fiction.
The first few chapters are centered on dramatizations set in the Garden of Eden, with strategically placed interjections where Combs analyzes and explains the events in ways I—an eighteen-year veteran of the Church—had never seen. These dramatizations are biblically sound in the context of the first book of the Bible named “Genesis” which chronologically tells the story of creation, the fall of Man, and the consequences of sin. Not only are they factual, but these dramatizations are riddled with imagery and dialogue so cleverly written that they bring the reader closer to the historical characters that often feel so far removed from everyday life.
The author uses his theological education and experience to challenge our preconceived understanding of how and why sin came into our lives and how God redeemed us. He uses the context and translation of the story’s original language to shed light on the connotation of sin, not as a word, but as a force that shaped the lives of Adam and Eve and, subsequently, all of humanity.
In addition to his analysis of biblical events, each chapter ends with a list of questions meant to insight a discussion based on the newfound perspective on “sin and salvation”. This, I found, was a wonderful way to engage the reader and to further the intellectual stimulation his writing offers. The text itself is also emphasized by the endnotes section that goes into an even deeper explanation of the events surrounding the world’s first family, the apostle Paul, and the opinions of Christian scholars throughout time.
The way this book is written and organized makes it versatile enough to be used as the base for a study group seeking spiritual knowledge or for an individual seeking a new way of looking at a centuries old narrative. Either way, the tagline on the cover does not disappoint in advertising this read as a “refreshing reexamination”.
I decided to give this work 4 out of 4 stars due to its ability to breathe life into my previously deflated understanding of sin and its relationship with humanity. I thoroughly enjoyed William Combs book and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the Man upstairs.
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Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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